Abstract: An improved bearing mechanism with both a relative larger axial force adjustment mechanism and a relatively smaller axial force adjustment mechanism, works in conjunction with the control rod of a vertical blind system or a roller shade system to provide superior bearing and load handling capability. A primary adjustment mechanism provides a first magnitude range of urging force of a bearing structure toward a housing as by the use of an axial bolt or the like. Inasmuch as this is difficult to adjust without removal of the roller shade and such adjustment is difficult gauge physically, a secondary adjustment structure enables tension adjustment over a second magnitude range of urging force and which is accessible without having to remove the roller. The secondary adjustment structure is a wedge which operates adjacent the main tension member.

Abstract: An improved bearing mechanism works in conjunction with the control rod of a vertical blind system or a roller shade system to provide superior bearing and load handling capability. A conical bore has a plurality of grooves into the surface of the conical bore. A series of cylindrical rollers are supported within the grooves, and against a central rotational member having a conical surface for bearing against the rollers. A set screw is used to control the seating of the central rotational member within the conical bore, is used to make up any tolerance created through the manufacturing process, and can be used to increase the tension necessary to hold a roller shade in place.

Abstract: A re-attachable safety connector may be a single unit or may have a number of components working together as one unit. In the embodiments that have multiple components, connection of the components together may be accomplished by use of a series of pins inserted into a plurality of through bores in the body of the components at the mid-portions, as illustrated herein. Depending on the materials used to manufacture each of the elements of a given embodiment, the pin series may be sheared in half in order to provide for a safety release, or the properties of molded plastic as flexible may be relied upon in order to accomplish a safety release. Second through fourth embodiments are capsule shaped and provide for re-attachment of the chain.

Abstract: An improved bearing mechanism works in conjunction with the control rod of a vertical blind system or a roller shade system to provide superior bearing and load handling capability. A conical bore has a plurality of grooves into the surface of the conical bore. A series of cylindrical rollers are supported within the grooves, and against a central rotational member having a conical surface for bearing against the rollers. A set screw is used to control the seating of the central rotational member within the conical bore, is used to make up any tolerance created through the manufacturing process, and can be used to increase the tension necessary to hold a roller shade in place. A balanced bearing system uses two sets of roller bearings, which may be frusto-conical, to make for a more stable, more secure, and more evenly balanced roller shade assembly.

Abstract: An improved wall covering track system includes an elongate track for vertically supporting a series of carriers and enabling the carriers to horizontally translate along the track, the raceway surfaces of the track are inclined downwardly from the horizontal, the carriers have frusto-conical wheels, which may be mounted on straight or frusto conical axles. A drapery and a vertical blind system includes spacers, and a variety of track extrusions are illustrated.

Abstract: An improved system utilizes a series of structures which permit magnetic closure to be used in existing carriers and components. Magnetic support structures include members which ride in the carrier, as well as special size members which mount in the lead or wand carrier and which reside in the vertical blind track end caps. All of the structures are installable as retro-fit and which can work with existing tracks, carriers and end caps, even though these structures have been optimized for small size.

Abstract: An improved bearing mechanism works in conjunction with the control rod of a vertical blind system or a roller shade system to provide superior bearing and load handling capability. A conical bore has a plurality of grooves into the surface of the conical bore. A series of cylindrical rollers are supported within the grooves, and against a central rotational member having a conical surface for bearing against the rollers. A set screw is used to control the seating of the central rotational member within the conical bore, is used to make up any tolerance created through the manufacturing process, and can be used to increase the tension necessary to hold a roller shade in place.

Abstract: An improved system utilizes a series of structures which permit magnetic closure to be used in existing carriers and components. Magnetic support structures include members which ride in the carrier, as well as special size members which mount in the lead or wand carrier and which reside in the vertical blind track end caps. All of the structures are installable as retro-fit and which can work with existing tracks, carriers and end caps, even though these structures have been optimized for small size.

Abstract: The improved system utilizes a track (51) which has a bowed internal surface to prevent the wheel of the carrier (17) from frictional engagement with the side of the track (51). The curved surface (55) which faces the wheels (27) will not be engaged by the wheels (27) even where the carrier (17) turns to one side or the other. This is accomplished while leaving the innermost portions of the raceway (53) in the same width position with regard to the wheels (27) as is usual to prevent the carrier (17) from coming off-track. The tolerances for the inner corners of the raceway (53) opposing the wheels (27) may be reduced to further prevent the possibility of jamming in the track (51).

Abstract: The improved system utilizes a track which has a bowed internal surface to prevent the wheel of the carrier from frictional engagement with the side of the track. The curved surface which faces the wheels will not be engaged by the wheels even where the carrier turns to one side or the other. This is accomplished while leaving the innermost portions of the raceway in the same width position with regard to the wheels as is usual to prevent the carrier from coming off-track. The tolerances for the inner corners of the raceway opposing the wheels may be reduced to further prevent the possibility of jamming in the track.